Sophie Gallois

New research from EdenLab Leo Rayman finds 61% of sustainability professionals do not believe their C-Suite is sufficiently focused on sustainable transformation, with their time overwhelmingly taken up by reporting. Now, this is not to diss legislation, we need it. We need a clear, consistent minimum underpin for the marketplace so voluntary leaders are not left at a disadvantage and so we scale, rapidly decarbonization across the economy, and in doing so secure early mover advantage in an emerging new economy – something China seems to be winning at currently. Rather, it is to highlight the much bigger issue, that today’s high carbon ‘system’ is perpetuating itself through a veneer of respectable box ticking – ‘look over here folks at my shiny new report, not over there at my business as usual, long-term corporate strategy.’ Of course, there’s a sweeping generalization in this diatribe – all companies, all leaders are on a spectrum of understanding and commitment. There are a number that are mendacious, a few that are truly committed, but the vast bulk hover somewhere betwixt and between, waiting for a clear signal, that now is the time ‘to go for it.’ That signal will come, over the next decade spiralling extreme weather events will have a shattering impact on lives and livelihoods, on societal and economic stability. But, by then it’s too late, irretrievable damage done. C-Suites need to ‘look up’ and start to transform. Not quixotically. Not alone. But, with level head certainty, granular planning and mass colleague, supplier and customer engagement. Give your sustainability team permission to be transformation agents, not just compliance officers. And, a final word for sustainability professionals too. If you want to be seen as a transformation agent act like one. We, collectively, sometimes cling to the ‘comfort blanket’ of the ‘alphabet soup’ of sustainable business making it too easy for our leaders to dismiss us as commercially irrelevant. Immerse yourself in every aspect of your value chain, understand why it is like it is, build a value case for sustainable transformation, use data not just to report but to optimize your transformation journey and support your colleagues in delivering it. https://lnkd.in/e4YCaDqf

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Being on the front line telling stories of sustainable innovation is exciting but it’s such a new concept for so many firms and mistakes are made. Take innovation in the carbon markets for example. Due to the action of a few, sellers are under intense scrutiny, whilst well meaning companies have been caught out. Understanding the reputational opportunities and also the risks is critical in planning an effective PR strategy. Last week, my Wilful Co-Founder Narda Shirley was on a fascinating panel to discuss just that - how do you prepare, respond and recover when things go wrong. #PR #CrisisCommunications #Carbon

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This interesting article on B Corp shares evidence that confirms innovators are increasingly turning to market alternatives that explicitly prioritise social responsibility. The authors present new research on the B Corp Movement’s approach to inform strategies that can help leaders in any industry strike a balance between competing demands and navigate the paradoxical imperatives to expand while staying true to their mission. This balancing act is something our clients are very aware of and it takes a deep understanding of your own company values and ethos to get it right. If you need some support getting that balance right, our research team are here to provide the insights you need to help you reach your goal. #Sustainability #BCorp #CSR #MarketResearch #Insight #PositiveChange

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🚨 6 warning signs of Greenwashing! Embedding sustainability in corporate strategy is beyond being a trend, it’s an everlasting responsibility. However, with the rise of green marketing, deceptive practices like greenwashing have become more common than ever. 🌱 Discover more about the warning signs of greenwashing through the carousel below!💡👇 #Greenwashing #Sustainability #SustainableSupplychains #Transparency #TransparentSupplyChains 💡🌱

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Why do activists seem to target companies that are taking the biggest steps in sustainability? We field this question frequently and understanding the rationale of campaigning groups can be vital to meaningful engagement and change. Here's our MD Charlotte Moore explaining how activists select targets and what they hope to achieve with that choice. Check it out!

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Yep, it’s unbelievable. Back when we started KeepCup in 2009 we were shocked that disposable cups weren’t recyclable. They still aren’t, and, given they are not necessary, our efforts ought to be spent on other single-use plastic problems. But it’s an example of what happens every where, the greenwash and inertia of entrenched commercial interests to protect their revenue stream at the cost to the environment and human health. More reusable cups and bottles are being sold than ever before yet so few are in permanent circulation. So many people and businesses would love to take this issue off the table, but it can only done with legislation that levels the playing field. Banning disposable cups supports circular economy, the environment and small independent businesses.

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Our President, David Halpern, will be speaking at Innovation Zero at 3 PM tomorrow (May 1) on how changing consumer behaviour can help us create a more sustainable economy and society ♻️ To learn more about our work on this topic, check out our milestone report on how to create a #netzero society at the link below 🌎 https://bit.ly/3UrLYJZ

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